In a devastating incident at the under-construction 624 MW Kiru Hydropower Project in Kishtwar, a 38-year-old labourer, Rakesh Kumar, lost his life after falling into the Chenab River. A resident of Pullar village, Kumar was the father of five young children—four daughters and a son. Despite immediate efforts, he was pulled from the river and taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
The sudden loss of the sole breadwinner has left Kumar’s family shattered. His death has raised concerns about the safety standards at major construction sites like the Kiru Project, where workers often operate under dangerous conditions without adequate protective measures.
Political Leaders React at Hospital
As news of the tragedy spread, Pooja Thakur, Chairperson of the District Development Council (DDC) and a leader from the National Conference, quickly arrived at the district hospital. She met the grieving family and publicly demanded justice, financial compensation, and a job for a family member of the deceased. Her visit underscored growing unrest over labour rights and worker safety in large infrastructure projects across Jammu and Kashmir.
Heated Clash Between NC and BJP
Soon after, Shagun Parihar, BJP MLA from Kishtwar, reached the hospital, leading to a tense and public altercation between the two leaders. While MLA Parihar accused Thakur of exploiting the tragedy for political gain and causing “unnecessary ruckus,” Thakur hit back, claiming that the BJP was siding with the project management instead of supporting the labourers. The confrontation turned into a full-blown political clash over compensation, sparking debates on governance and accountability.
This heartbreaking incident has triggered not only a political dispute but also a larger conversation around labour safety at high-risk work sites in Jammu and Kashmir. With both leaders claiming to stand by the family, the focus now shifts to ensuring genuine action—beyond headlines—and justice for the bereaved.
This tragic loss should serve as a wake-up call to all authorities involved in infrastructure development to prioritize human life over politics.
